On August 8th I had my first visit to the endocrinologist due to having low bone density and what I thought was osteoporosis. She said I couldn’t have osteoporosis because I wasn’t in menopause, so that’s one disease out of my repertoire. She ordered urine and blood tests to see if there was an underlying cause of the low bone density.
I had my followup with her yesterday. All of the tests were normal except I tested moderately positive or strongly positive for Celiac disease, which is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Over time, this reaction produces inflammation that damages the small intestine’s lining and prevents absorption of some nutrients (malabsorption). She said that would cause low bone density and would make me feel fatigued.
She wanted me to see a gastroenterologist who would probably biopsy my small intestine to confirm the diagnosis. I already have an appointment with a gastroenterologist in October to check how my ulcerative colitis is doing.
I’m not really convinced I have Celiac disease. There are so many symptoms I don’t have, including diarrhea and weight loss (I wish!), a rash, joint pain, numbness in the fingers and hands, and acid reflux and heartburn. I guess I will find out in October.
Over on the mental health front, I decided to see a new therapist. I don’t know if it’s because my therapist is a man, but I am not getting anything out of it. I just go and feel like I have to reach for things to talk about instead of the therapist asking.
Upcoming, Tyler is off to school on Tuesday. Pictures to follow!
Photo courtesy of Scientific American
